The future had arrived in the form of lower compression ratios for 1971. Unleaded gasoline and
its lower octane rating forced the move and an era was over, not to return. The change caused the hp ratings of the LS5 motor
to go from 390 hp (1970) to 365 hp. Most reports indicate the performance loss was negligible and gasoline purchasing was
easier.

1971 saw that last of the really wicked big blocks. The LS6 454 with 425hp would
be the last of the powerful engines before the tight government emotions came along. The LS6 engine name would
later be resurrected for the 2001-2004 Z06 Corvette.

1971 was the last year for the fiber optic light monitoring system located in front of and behind
the shifter.